Occuring in the foregut, HF starch digestion occurs via salivary amylase (enzyme converting starch to malt sugar). Ultimate digestion of carbohydrates occurs on midgut cell surfaces via membrane bound maltase.
The midgut has low pH levels, which are measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH level less than 7 is considered acidic, 7 is neutral, and higher than 7 is alkaline. Acidity in the midgut usually kills bacteria in ingested material. Trypsin (breaks proteins) works in the midgut.
With chaetiferous (covered with hairs) concealment, HF’s bodily exterior provides massive surface area for pathogenic loads. The hazardous HF is a mechanical disease transmitter of Salmonella and Shigella. Dipterologists and pest management professionals, arrest HF felons and restore a lawful public health environment.
